Should You Invest in Pokemon Go Trading Cards?
As a 90s kid who grew up when Pokemania first hit, I‘ve been obsessed with Pokemon trading cards ever since I ripped open my first pack of Base Set cards. So when The Pokemon Company announced a new tie-in set branded with Pokemon Go in 2022, my interest was piqued both as a collector and potential investor.
If you‘re also wondering whether the Pokemon Go TCG is worth buying into, I‘m here to give you my take based on decades of experience in this hobby. For diehard collectors and Pokemon fans, the answer is a resounding yes! Reliving childhood nostalgia by ripping open fresh packs is magical. But for pure investors, the verdict is less clear cut – older vintage sets still offer better value and returns.
Let‘s dive deeper into the world of Pokemon cards so you can decide if the Pokemon Go TCG is a good fit for your goals and budget!
Pokemania Origins
To understand the current craze, we have to go back to the late 90s when the Pokemon franchise first took the world by storm. When Pokemon Red and Blue landed on Gameboys in 1996, the adorable critters and concept of "gotta catch ‘em all" became a global phenomenon.
The property expanded into a multimedia juggernaut, with movies, TV shows, toys, clothing and more. The trading cards arrived in North America in 1999 and became the defining hobby for an entire generation. Beehive-haired teacher‘s pets swapped cards on playgrounds, chased elusive holographic Charizards, and filled up binders.
Fast forward to today, and those millenial and Gen Z fans now have disposable income to relive their childhood passion. No wonder vintage Pokemon cards command such premium prices at auction! But will the new Pokemon Go series stand the test of time and deliver ROI?
Overview of Pokemon Go Set
Before we speculate on the future, let‘s run through what‘s actually in the Pokemon Go TCG set:
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71 total cards – 16 Trainer cards, 5 new Pokemon, 50 reprints
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No booster packs – Sold in branded speciality products only
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MSRP $19.99-$49.99 – Elite Trainer Boxes, collectors chests, blister packs
The Pokemon Company opted for a unique distribution model without traditional booster box releases. This means no thrill of randomized pack openings, but it also guarantees pulls of the main cards.
For sealed collectors, the Elite Trainer Boxes offer the most promising products. Their iconic packaging, low print runs, and playable supplies make them highly giftable.
Hot Chase Cards
While no single card has skyrocketed in value yet, here are the top contenders primed to do so based on hype and scarcity:
| Card | Note |
|---|---|
| Radiant Charizard | Signature Charizard card, part of the Radiant mechanic |
| Umbreon VMAX | Stunning alternate art, Eeveelution VMAXes always in demand |
| Mewtwo VSTAR | Powerful VSTAR ability, iconic Gen 1 pokemon |
| Golden Mew | Shiny gold cards are always coveted, Mew has mythical appeal |
These four cards seem poised to appreciate most out of the set. But how do they compare against older sets?
Pokemon Card Value Growth Trends
Let‘s examine how card values have grown in recent years to get a sense of ROI potential:
| Set | Top Card | 2014 Value | 2022 Value | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Set | 1st Ed. Charizard Holo | $400 | $350k | 87,400% |
| Neo Destiny | 1st Ed. Shining Charizard | $200 | $13k | 6,400% |
| Evolutions | Charizard EX | $7 | $400 | 5,614% |
| Unified Minds | Gold Reshiram & Charizard GX | $40 | $1,100 | 2,650% |
As we can see, the mega gains have come from early sets, where scarcity and nostalgia drive prices. More modern sets still grow, but at a more modest rate. This suggests Pokemon Go cards may take years to reach 4-figure territory.
There are no guarantees, so don‘t bank your retirement on Pokemon! But the trends show tangible upside, especially for the right cards.
Avoiding Potential Pitfalls
Before you fork over your hard-earned dollars though, be aware of potential hazards:
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Fake cards abound, especially for valuable charizards. Learn to spot resealed packs and counterfeit cards.
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Condition is king. Light play slashes 50% off a card‘s value. Only grade or buy pristine quality.
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Don‘t get scammed buying online. Vet your sources and check seller ratings.
By buying from reputable dealers, thoroughly inspecting cards, and securely storing them, you can mitigate many of these issues.
Why I Love Collecting
As a personal aside, investing returns are only part of the appeal. I just love the nostalgia of reliving childhood memories with my favorite mons. That art and gameplay provide countless hours of enjoyment and entertainment.
It‘s more than just collecting – it‘s a lifestyle and community. The thrill of the chase, gaming competitively, and forming connections over shared passion gives me happiness. That‘s the real value, whether my holdings gain or lose nominal dollar value.
The Verdict
So back to our original question – should you buy into Pokemon Go TCG?
If your goal is profits, the verdict is mixed. Values are still speculative, and other options like vintage sets offer more upside. But for sheer enjoyment as a collector and fan? Pokemon Go is absolutely worth it.
Crack some packs, smell that fresh ink, fill up your Pokedex, and relive the adventure. Just keep your expectations measured, store cards safely, and you‘re primed for a rewarding experience!